D’Tigress, a Nigerian women’s basketball team, qualified for the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, marking their fifth consecutive appearance at the tournament’s climax, according to President Bola Tinubu.
The President praised the team’s resilience and dominance following their “hard-fought 75–68 victory” over arch-rivals Senegal at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The President praised the team for defeating Senegal for the seventh consecutive time and advancing to the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifiers, saying, “This was more than a semi-final. It was the final before the final.”
“I have observed D’Tigress consistently displaying the qualities that have earned respect for our players and coaches around the world,” he said. “I have observed the discipline, focus, and team spirit that he has consistently displayed throughout this tournament.
Rena Wakama, the team’s head coach and the first woman to lead the side, received special praise from President Tinubu for her inspiring leadership both as a former player and tactician.
Her leadership, according to the President, “continues to propel D’Tigress toward new heights in this highly competitive sport.”
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As they continue to fight for a fifth consecutive AfroBasket title and further international success, President Tinubu reassured the team of his unwavering support.
In a fiercely contested match on Saturday, D’Tigress came out of behind to defeat Senegal 75-68. At the start of the fourth quarter, the reigning champions made a strong comeback to win.
Cierra Dillard of Senegal led the team in the third quarter, scoring 26 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.
Ezinne Kalu, who had 19 points, made a crucial steal and basket to close the gap, as Nigeria responded. Nigeria rose to 69-66 after Victory Macaulay’s crucial hook shot. In the final three minutes, the team won with a score of 10-3.
